Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

 

Photos by BarrytheBirder

The Great Blue Heron is a large, grey-blue heron found across lower Canada and the north-central United States.   It has a black stripe that extends above the eyes and a white fore neck streaked with black.   Breeding adults have  yellowish bills and ornate plumes on head, neck and back.   

Their impressive wingspan is 72" (183 cm)!

My National Geographic Society Field Guide says the Great Blue Heron is common but breeds sporadically across parts of large parts of its range, and a few birds winter far north into their breeding range.

This widespread, large and familiar heron stands patiently at watersides, waiting to spear fish and other creatures.   

It is common in both freshwater and salt water habitats.

They breed across southern Canada to Mexico and Florida and winter from British Columbia and southern New England southward.

                 

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder